Backpacker Magazine – October 2005

Mountaineering Fitness: Climb Like Ed

Got summit fever? The sky's the limit with a fitness plan and climbing tips from world-class mountaineer Ed Viesturs.

by: Rob Lamme

©David Emmite

In May, mountaineering legend Ed Viesturs became the first American to summit all 14 of the world's 8,000-meter peaks when he reached the top of Nepal's fabled Annapurna. In the following pages, Ed tells us just how he does it--and how you can, too, whether you're gunning for Rainier or the toughest peak in your neck of the woods. You'll learn everything from how to pick a hiking partner to what to eat at 14,000 feet. You'll also get an exclusive look at his training regimen (don't worry, we modified it for mere mortals). Follow Ed's five-step plan, and you'll soon be racking up your own list of killer summits.

STEP 1
Pick The Right Mountain

As a teenager, Viesturs was itching to climb Rainier. But he knew enough to know that he didn't know how to climb the 14,411-foot, glaciated peak. So he went to Mt. St. Helens (pre-eruption) to hone his skills. Five months later, he reached Rainier's snowy summit. Viesturs's advice for choosing a mountain is to start small. Research the skills you'll need, like hiking in crampons or navigating off-trail. Then find a peak that lets you master them in a safe environment.

Subscribe to Backpacker magazine
Sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter